Ofure Akhigbe
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the death of veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s media landscape. Agbese died on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 81.
In a condolence message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio said Agbese devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, accountability and press freedom. He noted that the late editor’s writings shaped public discourse for decades and contributed significantly to democratic growth in the country.
Akpabio added that Agbese’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of journalists, describing him as a “towering figure whose professional integrity and commitment to fairness set a standard for the Nigerian press.”
He extended his condolences to the Agbese family, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the entire media community, praying for the repose of the veteran’s soul and for strength for those he left behind.
Agbese, born on May 12, 1944, in Benue State, was a co-founder of Newswatch magazine and served in various top editorial roles, including Editor-in-Chief until 2010. Before joining Newswatch, he worked at The Nigeria Standard, New Nigerian newspaper, and Radio Benue. He is survived by his wife, Rose, six children and seven grandchildren.